Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2: Insights into the epidemiology of the pandemic

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and disease symptoms in Malakand, Pakistan. Materials & method: 623 samples with suspected SARS-CoV-2 were collected from different regions of Malakand and analyzed to detect SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies using ELISA. Results: 306 (49.1%) 0 f 623 patients were anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG reactive, with a higher prevalence in males (75%) than females (25%). In this study, we enrolled two groups, subjects working in a non-medical setting and subjects working in a medical setting. Clinical symptoms were statistically linked with SARS-CoV-2. Four weeks of follow-up analysis of IgG titers in health care workers showed an increase in IgG antibodies titer. Conclusion: This study gives insights into the community-based spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection, associated immunity, and herd immunity in the studied population. This study can provide insights to the government about early vaccination of this population as most of the population is not yet vaccinated.

Keywords

• Seroepidemiology
• SARS-CoV-2
• IgG
• Antibodies
• Malakand
• Pakistan